Daily Quiz

Solution (b)
Explanation:
• The MoEFCC oversees policies and programs related to the environment and forests. However, the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) is prepared and published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), which operates under this ministry.
• The Forest Survey of India (FSI), an organization under the MoEFCC, is responsible for releasing the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) every two years. The ISFR provides a comprehensive assessment of India’s forest and tree cover using remote sensing and field data. Significance:
o The report highlights the trends in forest area, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and forest conservation initiatives.
o It is crucial for monitoring India’s progress towards meeting its climate goals under the Paris Agreement and SDGs. (Option (b) is correct)
• The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) focuses on implementing the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and ensuring sustainable use of biodiversity.
• The ICFRE is an autonomous organization under MoEFCC that conducts research, education, and extension on forestry.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/%E2%80%8Bcanary-in-the-canopy-on-the-india-state-of-forest-report-2023/article69019158.ece#:~:text=Through%20history%2C%20forests%20for%20humans,the%20National%20Forest%20Policy's%20prescriptions.

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• Although Australia is a participant in the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) due to its vast reserves of critical minerals like lithium and rare earth elements, it did not initiate the MSP. (Option (a) is incorrect)
• Canada is a key member of the MSP because of its rich reserves of critical minerals like nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements. However, it did not initiate this initiative. (Option (b) is incorrect)
• China is not part of the MSP. Instead, the initiative was launched to reduce dependency on Chinese-dominated supply chains for critical minerals. China currently dominates the global market for processing and refining critical minerals like rare earth elements, which are crucial for renewable energy, batteries, and defense industries. (Option (c) is incorrect)
• The Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) was launched by the United States in 2022. Its objective is to secure reliable and resilient critical mineral supply chains essential for clean energy technologies like electric vehicles, wind turbines, and solar panels. The MSP includes countries like Australia, India, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and the European Union. (Option (d) is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/indias-reliance-on-china-for-critical-minerals-explained/article69020390.ece#:~:text=An%20in%2Ddepth%20examination%20of,%2C%20and%20graphite%20(42.4%25).

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Nepal does not have any nuclear power project. Its energy generation is primarily based on hydropower due to abundant water resources.
• Like Nepal, Bhutan also relies heavily on hydropower, which is one of its largest revenue sources through exports to India.
• The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) is located in Ishwardi Upazila of Pabna District, Bangladesh. It is being built with the assistance of Russia’s Rosatom under an intergovernmental agreement signed in 2011.
• The project includes two VVER-1200 reactors, each with a capacity of 1,200 MW, and aims to enhance Bangladesh’s energy security. It is the first nuclear power project in Bangladesh. (Option (c) is correct)
• Sri Lanka does not have any nuclear energy projects. The country primarily relies on thermal energy, hydropower, and to some extent, renewable sources like wind and solar energy for electricity generation.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/bangladesh-initiates-investigation-into-russia-backed-rooppur-nuclear-project/article69018424.ece

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• Cephalopods are a class of mollusks that include marine animals like octopuses, squids, cuttlefish, and nautiluses. They are known for their intelligence, ability to camouflage, and complex nervous systems. (Statement 1 is correct)
• Cephalopods are among the few invertebrates to have a closed circulatory system, which allows for efficient oxygen transport. This system supports their active predatory lifestyle and high metabolic demands. (Statement 2 is correct)
• Cephalopods are marine organisms and are not found in freshwater habitats. They are primarily distributed across the world’s oceans, from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea. (Statement 3 is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/octopuses-and-their-relatives-are-a-new-animal-welfare-frontier/article69015419.ece#:~:text=A%20new%20frontier%20for%20animal,to%20vertebrates%20as%20a%20group.

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• Chillai Kalan, derived from Persian, refers to a 40-day period starting from December 21 to January 31, known for being the coldest and harshest part of winter in Kashmir. During this time, temperatures drop significantly, often below freezing, causing rivers, lakes, and other water bodies to freeze. (Statement 1 is correct)
• While Chillai Kalan begins close to the winter solstice, snowfall in Kashmir typically starts before this period. Chillai Kalan intensifies the winter, with more frequent and heavier snowfall already underway in many cases. (Statement 2 is incorrect)
• Chillai Kalan is followed by Chillai Khurd (20 days) and Chillai Bachha (10 days), marking less severe cold.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/power-cuts-amid-severe-cold-push-kashmiris-to-traditional-ways/article69015442.ece